A new article in the Business News Daily has taken an interesting new approach to the CRM process by asking exactly how the Wizard of Oz can teach companies about the CRM process. There are actually some interesting lessons within the piece:
Sales teams should concentrate on closing
It's important to remember that any CRM software should be used to help compliment the work that the sales staff are carrying out, and shouldn't mean that they spend all of their time simply adding information to a database: as the article states, they're not data entry clerks! It's important that the CRM software makes the sales process simpler.
Optimise the solution around the sales team
Again, this is a matter of ensuring that the sales team's abilities are complimented by the CRM software being used. Skilled sales people are capable of seeing opportunities and making the most of them. The CRM software being used should enable them to thrive in making the most of their already existing skills. It's important that it doesn't slow them down.
Value the opinion of the sales team
It's vital to always allow members of a team to contribute positively to the process in which they're involved. In this sense, it's vital that the sales team are able to work with management in order to improve the processes that the CRM software is linked with. They should be allowed to use their expert knowledge to help the management ensure that the software is working to the very highest levels of potential.
Source: Business News Daily
As we move in to 2014 and as economic growth returns to all areas of business you may be considering better CRM and automated system, if so, then contact MyCRM to help implement Managed CRM http://www.mycrmgroup.com
About MyCRM
MyCRM has over 20 years’ experience in understanding how CRM as a technology and CRM as a process can work in business and has therefore developed a number of off-the-shelf extensions to enhance CRM productivity.
We offer from our own fully managed datacentre a licence per user Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, you can see more about using MyCRM as a managed service here: http://hosted.mycrmgroup.com/
As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) we offer a range of pre-built application extensions for your Microsoft CRM Solution. You can get access to a range of products for Microsoft Dynamics CRM from the MyCRM download centre here: http://downloads.mycrmgroup.com after registering for an account.

Once the CRM software has been invested in, it is important to ensure that you make the most of it. That is why it is worth having a further look at a new piece in Mashable, which is focused on some key ways to improve the process:
Foster word of mouth
Even in the digital age, word of mouth remains invaluable in helping to increase sales. The more customers talk about a company, the better! Building a good online profile and obtaining a high level of trust with customers is the ideal way to help develop the profile enough for people to start passing on recommendations and a good CRM software system can help with this.
Remember in a digital social world, a like or a tweet can have the same amount of response as human interaction and digital word of mouth should be part of your CRM strategy.
Value feedback
Asking for feedback on the web can be a brave step to take but it is a good idea. Whilst customers will usually be brutally honest with everything they are unhappy about, they will rarely actually troll in the conventional sense. Use feedback and combine it with relevant CRM data to improve the process.
Also work with your customers and ask for references for your products and services, if they are unhappy they will soon tell you or not want to respond to the request.
Always be honest
One of the most important ways to handle the CRM process is to make honesty the key policy. The key is to build up positive, trusting relationships with customers and honesty remains the best way to do this. Always take a personal approach to communications, especially if the company is smaller.
Keep track of all the data
As with all CRM software, data is invaluable in ensuring that relationships increase and sales grow as a result of the data. Ensure that data is kept accurate.
Source: Mashable
As we move in to 2014 and as economic growth returns to all areas of business you may be considering better CRM and automated system, if so, then contact MyCRM to help implement Managed CRM http://www.mycrmgroup.com
About MyCRM
MyCRM has over 20 years’ experience in understanding how CRM as a technology and CRM as a process can work in business and has therefore developed a number of off-the-shelf extensions to enhance CRM productivity.
We offer from our own fully managed datacentre a licence per user Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, you can see more about using MyCRM as a managed service here: http://hosted.mycrmgroup.com/
As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) we offer a range of pre-built application extensions for your Microsoft CRM Solution. You can get access to a range of products for Microsoft Dynamics CRM from the MyCRM download centre here: http://downloads.mycrmgroup.com after registering for an account.

An interesting new piece I found on the Computer World blog has explored in more depth a vital factor in implementing a new CRM system: namely, the staff that will be using it. It's always worth exploring the potential 'people factor' in terms of effectively using the software
Here are a number of topic areas that should be given consideration as part of the implementation plan as adoption of the system is key to success.
Convince the workforce of the value
Everyone who's worked with a CRM system knows how valuable the software can be. However, it's still vital to ensure that everyone who is new to it is given examples and demonstrations that show how much easier their job will be once they start using the software.
Ask them for feedback
In the early stages of using the system, always encourage your staff to be vocal in asking questions. If they're certain about everything, they're far more likely to obtain great results. Whether it's an enquiry about workflow or simply a question regarding how to actually use the software, always make sure questions are answered.
Provide a positive vision for the system
It's important to provide the sales staff with a positive vision for the future. Emphasise the ways in which the system will both reduce workloads and increase sales.
Effectively manage the change process
Effective change management is a skill in itself, and one that's vital when implementing any new software. Once the staff know how valuable CRM software can be and how much it will help them, they can then begin the transition. Ensure, though, that you stick rigidly to the three-stage process of preparing for the change, implementing it and then reinforcing the change once it's in place.
Source: Computer World
As we move in to 2014 and as economic growth returns to all areas of business you may be considering better CRM and automated system, if so, then contact MyCRM to help implement Managed CRM http://www.mycrmgroup.com
About MyCRM
MyCRM has over 20 years’ experience in understanding how CRM as a technology and CRM as a process can work in business and has therefore developed a number of off-the-shelf extensions to enhance CRM productivity.
We offer from our own fully managed datacentre a licence per user Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, you can see more about using MyCRM as a managed service here: http://hosted.mycrmgroup.com/
As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) we offer a range of pre-built application extensions for your Microsoft CRM Solution. You can get access to a range of products for Microsoft Dynamics CRM from the MyCRM download centre here: http://downloads.mycrmgroup.com after registering for an account.

It is now December and as almost everyone knows the festive season is also one of the key sales periods for any retailer, whether they are online, on the high street or a combination of both. A new piece has highlighted how CRM software can help any company improve their festive sales.
Analyse the customer data
If a CRM system has been in-place long enough, it is possible to analyse customer data and anticipate exactly what sort of purchases will be made during the festive period. What will different customers buy and when will they buy?
Create unique messaging
Some companies will send out e-mails based solely around Christmas, i.e. 'here is our new range of Christmas products.' However, it is important not to forget that all customers are different. They should, therefore, be sent different e-mails. Christmas focused, yes, but still based around their likes and dislikes. 'Christmas bargains' should go to some people, and 'spoil yourself this Christmas' should go to another. CRM data is the key in helping to segment customers and the data should not be wasted.
Send out useful information
CRM data will enable a company to send customers relevant information about services and products over Christmas. If, for instance, a customer has bought a Christmas hamper every year for the last four years, it is reasonable to expect that they will do so again. Knowing this enables the company to send them information on the different hampers available at the moment and where they can pick them up from. This targeted festive marketing is one of the key benefits of using a CRM system.
Source: Clickz
Once the Christmas Holidays have passed you there are a number of things you should look at to help drive you business year on year
Here are a few points
1.Analyze your customer sales.
2.Segment your customers.
3.Create messaging for individual customers and/or pools of customers.
4.Nurture and educate them with relevant information.
5.Send them an offer.
6.Watch sales roll in; track, test, evaluate and repeat.
If you need help implementing you CRM strategy or are just looking for a provider than can manage the service for you then please contact MyCRM today on http://www.mycrmgroup.com
About MyCRM
MyCRM has over 20 years’ experience in understanding how CRM as a technology and CRM as a process can work in business and has therefore developed a number of off-the-shelf extensions to enhance CRM productivity.
We offer from our own fully managed datacentre a licence per user Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, you can see more about using MyCRM as a managed service here: http://hosted.mycrmgroup.com/
As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) we offer a range of pre-built application extensions for your Microsoft CRM Solution. You can get access to a range of products for Microsoft Dynamics CRM from the MyCRM download centre here: http://downloads.mycrmgroup.com after registering for an account.

Obtaining the right CRM system for your business can be a big investment. However, there are several rules and guides that we recommend are followed in order to help make the right decision.
Below a 5 Key pointes that should be considered before purchase or implementation:-
1, Requirements
Every single company will have different reasons for investing in a CRM system, and it's vital to ensure that these reasons are detailed in advance before any investments are made. Whether the company's looking to increase brand awareness, generate more leads or close more sales, the details can make a big difference as to which system is invested in.
2, Deployment Type
At the moment, companies are in the middle of two main options: software that is installed and used solely in house, and software that makes use of the cloud in order to function. The former is considered by firms that have concerns regarding data security, (although the cloud is still a very safe option) with the latter very suitable for a firm whose staff are constantly on the move. A full analysis of pros and cons for both is a good idea here.
3, Scale and Size
Once the software has been assessed, then thought has to be given to exactly who is to use it and what parts of the business need to adopt the customer strategy, most organisation will start department by department but initial thought should be given to how CRM affects the business as a whole
4, Mobility Needs
Mobility for technology is still in its infancy but with the growth of online services and consumption of social media, thought should be given to how employees can embrace technology and use of a CRM system be become more productive in the Field.
5, Integration
It's doubly important to check whether or not the data that the company already possesses (much of which will be quite useful) can be easily integrated into the CRM system in question. This is a big deal, as no company wants to lose sales and customer profile information that they've worked hard to obtain. Integration is a vital part of the process.
Here at MyCRM we recommend that you find and work with the right partner that can help your CRM acquisition become a success and not just another piece of Software.
About MyCRM
MyCRM has over 20 years’ experience in understanding how CRM as a technology and CRM as a process can work in business and has therefore developed a number of off-the-shelf extensions to enhance CRM productivity.
We offer from our own fully managed datacentre a licence per user Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, you can see more about using MyCRM as a managed service here: http://hosted.mycrmgroup.com/
As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) we offer a range of pre-built application extensions for your Microsoft CRM Solution. You can get access to a range of products for Microsoft Dynamics CRM from the MyCRM download centre here: http://downloads.mycrmgroup.com after registering for an account.
Source: The Wise Marketer

5 Key Tips
After doing some more research I came across an interesting article on Destination CRM which highlights 5 key points about working in the customer service industry. It is vital to try and ensure that relationships are sustainable as well as being of high quality. These are some of the key ways in which to do so:
Assess current levels
It is important to take the time to analyse the standards of the current service levels and to try and improve on them. One of the benefits of using CRM systems is that constant feedback from customers can be obtained and it should be used. Whilst customer surveys should not be the sole tool used to assess the processes, it remains invaluable.
Assess the staff
It is important to take a good honest look at the employees who are responsible for the CRM process and to build up an accurate portrayal of their skills and weaknesses. This can help any manager to delegate tasks to those members of staff that will be most effective in completing them.
Define and disseminate service standards
All companies that work with customers should have a firm "behaviour guide" in place to ensure that every member of staff is pulling in the same direction. Service standards form a critical part of consistency in dealing with customers which is something customers expect.
Train consistently
In order to ensure that the customer service model is maintained and continues accurately, it is important to make sure that staff are training regularly and on an ongoing basis. It is important to make sure that training is treated as a process rather than a one-off, so that staff are consistently developing their CRM skills.
Develop and implement a strategy.
Consider a "service certification" program with multiple certification levels to encourage continuous personal development. And do what works for your business, but motivation to create a great customer experience is key. Events, quizzes and bonus prizes can all have an effect to drive a strategy forward.
Source: Destination CRM
About MyCRM
MyCRM has over 20 years’ experience in understanding how CRM as a technology and CRM as a process can work in business and has therefore developed a number of off-the-shelf extensions to enhance CRM productivity.
We offer from our own fully managed datacentre a licence per user Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, you can see more about using MyCRM as a managed service here: http://hosted.mycrmgroup.com/
As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) we offer a range of pre-built application extensions for your Microsoft CRM Solution. You can get access to a range of products for Microsoft Dynamics CRM from the MyCRM download centre here: http://downloads.mycrmgroup.com after registering for an account.